2024-2025 Meetings

 

May 21, 2025 (Wed)  | 10:00-11:30 AM

Topic: Annual Business Meeting and Teacher Recital! 

+ Lunch at Aqui's Cupertino

Location: Hybrid: In-Person (encouraged!) and Zoom 

In person Location: Yuma Hall at Silicon Valley Piano, Cupertino

Join us in person at Yuma Hall for our Annual Business Meeting and a Teacher Recital!  If you are interested in performing, please contact us!

Lunch afterwards not provided by CAPMT. 

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April 9, 2025 (Wed)  | 10:00-11:30 AM

Topic: Kicking Performance Anxiety to the Curb

Speaker: Sandra Wright Shen 

Location: Hybrid: In-Person (encouraged!) and Zoom 

In person Location: Opus11 School of Music, Winchester

Steinway Artist Sandra Wright Shen will present an interactive workshop:

The goal is to embrace nerves to peak at performances/life exploring: 

1. Understanding stress & anxiety

2. Learning from the animal world

3. Learning about yourself

4. Establishing healthy perspectives and monitoring the mind

5. Examine the motivation 

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March 13, 2025 (Thurs)  | 12:00-1:00 PM

Topic: San Jose State University Listening Hour: Bringing CAPMT teachers to SJSU Students 

Location: San Jose State University Concert Hall

Join Alli Gessner and Grant Kondo to introduce the benefits of CAPMT membership to SJSU students. Please join us to mingle with SJUSU students and pass on your teaching wisdom!

In person session at SJSU Concert Hall. 

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February 5, 2025 (Wed)  |  10:00-11:30 AM 

Topic: Working with Neurodivergent Students

Speaker: Natia Chitadze

Location: Hybrid: In-Person (encouraged!) and Zoom 

In person Location: Opus11 School of Music, Winchester

As music educators, many of us have experienced the joys and challenges of teaching students with diverse needs. Working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum, requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to explore new approaches. This presentation is an opportunity for us, as professionals, to come together and share strategies that make music lessons not only possible but deeply meaningful for every student.

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Natia Chitadze will be sharing practical behavioral techniques and tools that have transformed her own teaching practice. Together, we’ll explore ways to assess students’ unique abilities, integrate rhythm games to enhance learning, and incorporate motivational strategies that meet each student where they are. We’ll also discuss how small adjustments - like using visual aids, mood recognition activities, and calming techniques - can make a big difference in creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

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This is not just a presentation; it’s a collaborative exploration of what works and how we, as educators, can better serve all students. We hope to see you there and look forward to exchanging ideas and experiences as we continue to grow in our shared mission of making music accessible to everyone.

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Bio:

Natia is an experienced behavioral technician, music teacher, and music intervention therapist with extensive experience working with both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, primarily those on the autism spectrum. Combining her expertise in music education and behavioral therapy, Natia has dedicated her career to making music accessible and meaningful for students with diverse needs.

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With a background in the music industry, Natia continues to harness the transformative power of music as a tool for communication, self-expression, and cognitive development. Currently pursuing a degree in Research Psychology, she is committed to deepening her understanding of neurodivergence and finding innovative ways to support individuals on their unique journeys. She firmly believes in the potential of every individual and sees her role as providing the right tools and guidance to empower them to believe in their abilities.

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Natia's approach combines empathy, creativity, and evidence-based techniques, offering valuable insights for fostering meaningful connections and effective learning experiences in both music education and behavioral therapy.

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October 5, 2024 (Wed)  |  10:00-11:30 AM 

Topic: Yvonne Reddy: Mentoring Workshop

Location: Hybrid: In-Person (encouraged!) and Zoom 

In person Location: Opus11 School of Music, Winchester

Let’s Connect! One of the best ways to improve your teaching skills or

grow your studio is through mentoring. The October General Meeting

will be a combination presentation/workshop on establishing a

mentor/mentee relationship and how to get the most from this

partnership. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with

each other and maybe even find a mentor to help them with a

particular area where they would like guidance.

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Past Programs

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May 15, 2024 (Wed)  |  10:00-11:30 AM 

Topic: Nate May: Infuse Creativity: How to Add Composition, Improvisation, and Joy to Your Lessons

Hybrid: In-Person (encouraged!) and Zoom

In-Person Location:  Opus 11 School of Music (click for map/directions)

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November 29, 2023 (Wed) |  10:00-11:30 AM

Topic: Victor Rosenbaum: “Finding Meaning in Music: Method or Magic?”

Hybrid: In-Person (encouraged!) and Zoom

In-Person Location:  Opus 11 School of Music (click for map/directions)

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September 27, 2023 (Wed) |  10:00-11:30 AM

Topic: CAPMT SCV Overview and "Rapid Roundtable Discussion" with Grant Kondo

Hybrid: In-Person (encouraged!) and Zoom

In-Person Location:  Opus 11 School of Music (click for map/directions)​​​

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